Saltville Meth bust results in multiple felony charges

A Feb. 23 early morning meth bust in a Saltville apartment complex resulted in multiple felony charges for three local adults and removal of three children from the home.

Saltville Police Chief Rob Hall reported those arrested were Daniel Christopher Cyr, 31, Heather Sandra Blevins, 24, and Nehemiah S. Meridith, 29, all of 308 Elizabeth Street in Saltville. Kathryn Fugate, 23, of Bristol, Va., was cited for possession of marijuana and released. A third male in the apartment was detained during the investigation, but released with no charges.

According to the Saltville PD, Cyr was charged with six felonies, including the manufacture of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture 28 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule I or II drug while possessing a firearm, and three counts of allowing a child to be present in the apartment during the manufacture of methamphetamine. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years, to be served consecutively to the sentence for the drug possession. The three child endangerment charges each carry a sentence of not less than 10 and not more than 40 years, in addition to and served consecutively to any other sentence.

Blevins was charged with five felonies, including the manufacture of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture 28 grams or more of methamphetamine and three counts of allowing a child to be present in the apartment during the manufacture of methamphetamine. The three child endangerment charges each carry a sentence of not less than 10 and not more than 40 years, in addition to and served consecutively to any other sentence.

Meridith was charged with three felonies, including the manufacture of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture 28 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a Schedule I or II drug while possessing a firearm. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years, to be served consecutively to the sentence for the drugs. A search of Meridith’s vehicle by Saltville Police Department Officers Morris and Loureiro resulted in the discovery of a substance believed to be methamphetamine. No charges for that offense have been filed at this time.

A .380 and a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol were recovered in the search of the apartment.

The joint investigation was conducted by the Saltville Police Department and DEA along with law enforcement from Smyth and Washington counties, Abingdon, and Virginia State Police.

According to Chief Hall, all current charges are state charges. “The determination has not yet been made as to whether or not they’ll be charged federally,” he said. “All options are being considered, as are additional charges. Given the nature of these offenses – placing small children and an entire apartment complex in significant danger – we will be looking for the biggest bang for the buck.”